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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving

To my American readers, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. To the rest of you, well, happy Thursday. No matter where you are, or what your beliefs, it's good to take time to reflect on the meaning of the day.

Today I am thankful for my loving family, my faith and the freedom to practice it, for my health, for my friends, and for all the freedoms I enjoy as an American. Even though it seems so often that we're barely hanging on to those freedoms. In these troubled times we are reminded frequently just how tenuous they are. Let's not forget those who serve us at home and abroad.

I hope that the meaning of this day is not forgotten or lost in the hunt for good deals at the big box stores. If shopping is your thing this holiday, take time to think about why you are able to do that. In the days leading up to this holiday, it always strikes me how we hear little about Thanksgiving, only about "Black Friday.

I won't be shopping for "deals" this holiday weekend. I look at these days as a time to relax and enjoy life, before the hectic Christmas season arrives. I do have hopes to hit the range and a local brew pub. Maybe I'll even write some long-overdue blog posts. I hope everyone is able to spend time with family and friends, and doing what you enjoy.

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'"
-- George Washington, National Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789

Self-Defense Is Not Violence

"It is high time for society to stop worrying about the criminal, and to let the criminal start worrying about society."-- Lt. Col. Jeff CooperPrinciples of Personal Defense

"Though defensive violence will always be 'a sad necessity' in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men."-- St. Augustine

Targets of the Left

"Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility."-- Catechism of the Catholic Church #2265